Politicians say it all the time - "Americans will never stand for a gas tax increase", but how do they know? A survey of 1,500 adults under the direction of Mineta Transportation Institute found otherwise. A VMT fee and sales tax was also surveyed.
"The survey results show that a majority of Americans would support higher taxes for transportation-under certain conditions. For example, a gas tax increase of 10¢ per gallon to improve road maintenance was supported by 62% of respondents, whereas support levels dropped to just 24% if the revenues were to be used more generally to maintain and improve the transportation system."
Co-author Professor Weinstein, Director of Mineta Transportation Institute's National Transportation Finance Center, announced her study on a Commonwealth Club panel discussion, "U.S. Transportation Infrastructure: Buying the Future" on June 24 in San Francisco. Panelist Steve Heminger, Executive Director, SF Regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission, offered his own suggestion - a sales tax on gas to replace the gas tax to capture the increased revenue if gas prices rise.
Mr. Heminger warned that unless the transportation bill is reauthorized by Sept. 30, the current 18.4-cent federal gas tax will expire.
Thanks to Commonwealth Club
FULL STORY: What Do Americans Think About Federal Transportation Tax Options?
New Research: Do Americans Really Oppose Increasing The Gas Tax?
Politicians say it all the time - "Americans will never stand for a gas tax increase", but how do they know? A survey of 1,500 adults under the direction of Mineta Transportation Institute found otherwise. A VMT fee and sales tax was also surveyed.
Economic Downturn Could Cost California More Than $10 Billion in Transportation Revenue
The effects of the economic downturn resulting from the public health crisis presented by Covid-19 could have long-term impacts on the ability of California to plan and build new transportation infrastructure.
Transportation Reauthorization: Being Responsible Means Not Raising Gas Tax
Responsible funding for transportation may no longer be the conventional "pay-as-you-go" user fee system whereby drivers pay for projects through gas taxes. House Transportation Chair Mica wants to fund the bill responsibly, but rules out new taxes.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie